44 On that day men were also appointed over the chambers for the stores , the contributions , the first fruits and the tithes , to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions required by the law for the priests and Levites ; for Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who served . 45 For they performed the worship of their God and the service of purification , together with the singers and the gatekeepers in accordance with the command of David and of his son Solomon . 46 For in the days of David and Asaph , in ancient times , there were leaders of the singers , songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving to God . 47 So all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah gave the portions due the singers and the gatekeepers as each day required , and set apart the consecrated portion for the Levites , and the Levites set apart the consecrated portion for the sons of Aaron .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:44-47
Commentary on Nehemiah 12:44-47
(Read Nehemiah 12:44-47)
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.